DIY vs. Professional Landscape Maintenance: 5 Essential Factors to Consider

Lawn problems

Maintaining your landscape isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about protecting your home’s value, creating a welcoming outdoor space, and saving yourself from future headaches.

No one enjoys pulling up to a home with an overgrown lawn, encroaching shrubs, or tree roots creating trip hazards. But keeping your property looking its best takes time, effort, and know-how. That’s why many homeowners find themselves debating between doing it themselves or hiring a professional.

Let’s break down the five most important considerations to help you decide which option is best for your situation.

1. Time: Can You Realistically Fit Yard Work Into Your Schedule?

Lawn and landscape care is a time commitment—especially during spring and summer, when grass and weeds seem to grow overnight. If you put off mowing, trimming, and weeding, these tasks can quickly snowball into a weekend-consuming project.

Letting your lawn grow too tall and cutting it too short in one go can stress the grass, resulting in yellow or brown patches. Neglected weeds take over and compete with your plants for nutrients. Even skipping mulch for one season can affect soil health and aesthetics.

If you enjoy gardening and have the time, DIY might work for you. But if your weekends are packed or you'd rather relax and recharge, hiring a professional could free up valuable hours—and provide better results.

2. Skill Level: Do You Know the Best Practices?

Landscaping isn’t just physical labor—it requires knowledge. Are you familiar with the proper mowing height for your grass type? Do you know how and when to prune, fertilize, or manage pests?

Poor mowing habits, incorrect pruning cuts, and improper watering can do more harm than good. Without the right knowledge, you could damage your lawn or plants, leading to costly fixes like reseeding or even tree removal.

Professional landscapers bring horticultural expertise and years of experience. They understand how to maintain healthy landscapes across seasons and can spot issues before they become major problems.

Picture perfect

3. Equipment: Do You Have the Right Tools—and Know How to Use Them?

DIY landscaping requires more than just a lawn mower. You'll need a variety of tools, including pruners, spreaders, edgers, blowers, and more—plus the know-how to use and maintain them properly.

Even tasks like applying fertilizer or herbicide require proper calibration and timing for safe, effective results.

Professional crews come equipped with commercial-grade tools, expertly maintained and ready to go. They know how to use them efficiently and safely, saving you time, money, and hassle.

4. Physical Effort: Is the Work Too Demanding?

Yard work isn’t always light duty. Pushing a mower, pulling weeds, climbing ladders, and lifting heavy bags of mulch can take a toll—especially in extreme weather or as you get older.

While some homeowners enjoy the physical activity, others find the work taxing or even risky.

Hiring a landscaper allows you to avoid physically demanding tasks while still enjoying a well-maintained yard. It’s especially worthwhile for complex jobs or hard-to-reach areas that require specialized skills or equipment.

Professionally maintained

5. Cost: Is DIY Really the More Affordable Option?

At first glance, DIY landscaping may seem like a money-saving solution. But once you factor in equipment purchases, ongoing maintenance, product costs, and your own time, the savings may not be significant.

Ask yourself: How much is your free time worth? Are you investing more in tools and products than it would cost to have a professional handle it for you?

While professional services do come with a cost, they often provide better value when you consider the efficiency, quality of work, and peace of mind.

What to Look for in a Landscape Maintenance Company

If you’re leaning toward hiring a pro, choose wisely. Look for:

• A strong reputation: Check reviews and testimonials to see what others say.

• Visible results: Ask for before-and-after photos or view properties they maintain.

• Experienced, trained staff: Low turnover and knowledgeable employees ensure consistency.

• Comprehensive services: One provider for all tasks is easier than juggling multiple contractors.

• Trustworthy professionals: You want people you feel comfortable with on your property.

Finding the right landscaping partner can make all the difference in maintaining a beautiful, healthy yard without the stress.

The Bottom Line: Peace of Mind vs. Going It Alone

DIY landscaping can be fulfilling—if you enjoy the work, have the time, and are willing to learn. But if the tasks feel overwhelming, or if your time is limited, hiring a professional may be the smarter investment.

A healthy landscape adds long-term value to your home. Whether you choose to do it yourself or work with a pro, the key is consistency, care, and knowing when to ask for help.